In B.C., between 2008 and 2017, there were a total of 12 roadside worker deaths and 218 injuries as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle.

Of all those roadside workers injured, 42 per cent were traffic control persons, 14 per cent were truck drivers, and 10 per cent were public services/construction labourers, according to Work Zone Safety Alliance.

“Unfortunately, this is all too common, especially around intersections,” said Sarina Hanschke, Vanguard Road Safety Network, who said changes in daylight conditions and weather as well as distracted driving are huge risk factors for traffic controllers who have direct exposure to traffic.

The province introduced its Slow Down and Move Over legislation in 2015, mandating drivers slow and change lanes for all stopped vehicles with flashing lights, which includes police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, construction crews and other roadside personnel.

Motorists must slow their speed to 40 km/h when in an under 80 km/h zone or to 70 km/h when in an 80 km/h or over zone.

Drivers who fail to do so may receive a $173 fine and three penalty points.